Money Matters

Financial Assistance

This page consists of all the ways that Franklin College students can apply for financial assistance to help them with their studies.

Online Application 2018-19

We are now accepting applications for students enrolling in August 2018.You should be receiving an enrollment pack shortly which will include your login to apply online for financial support online here. If you have any questions, require a paper application form, or need help logging in please give us a call on 01472 875000.

You can also find our latest version of the Bursary Policy for 2018-19 here.

Vulnerable Bursary

Students in priority groups will be able to receive a bursary of up to £1,200 per year, if agreed standards of behavior and attendance are met.

Discretionary Bursary

Students who live in a household with an income below £28,000 including most benefits will be eligible for a choice between a Free Bus Pass or Free Meals Onsite. Students may also receive support with trips, books and necessary resources to study whilst at Franklin College. A full list of resources can be found on StudentFIS once you’re enrolled, where you’ll also be able to request support.

Please complete your application and provide supporting evidence as soon as possible as funding is on a first come, first serve basis. A full list of evidence needed for each bursary can be found here.

It is not possible for students to apply for both the National Bursary and the College Bursary.

Guaranteed Free Meals

Students who fit the following criteria will automatically be entitled to both a Bus Pass (if they reside over 1 mile from college) and Free Meals Onsite.

The student or parents/carers must be in receipt of one or more benefits including:

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

income-related Employment and Support Allowance

support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

the guaranteed element of Pension Credit

Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)

Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

19+ DLS (Discretionary Learner Support)

Students who are aged 19 or over when they enrol in September, may be eligible to receive funding towards college costs. Application forms are available from Student Services or ALT on request, call 01472 875000 or email alt@franklin.ac.uk for further information.

24+ Advanced Learning Loans

What are Advanced Learning Loans?

24+ Advanced Learning Loans are similar to higher education loans, but for the further education sector.

Loans will be available for learners aged 24 and over, studying at Level 3 or Level 4 (including QCF Certificates and Diplomas, Access to Higher Education, A-Levels and Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships).

You can apply for a loan to cover the cost of the tuition fees for your qualification, which will be paid directly to the college on your behalf. If you go on to study at a higher level you can get another loan. You can have a maximum of four loans.

How do I apply for my loan?

Apply to the college as normal - this is because you will need such things as your course codes to apply for your learning loan. If you need advice on the courses you are thinking of choosing, give us a call on 01472 875000 and we will help you through the application process.

Apply for your loan - Once you have received your offer of a place at Franklin College you should then apply for your loan here. Online applications take around 5 days to process and you will need your proof of identity such as a passport or driving license.

Enrol at Franklin - Once your loan is approved, and you have been given a date to enrol by the college, bring in your loan confirmation letter, together with proof of your identity, evidence of your previous qualifications (where appropriate) and a method of payment for any costs not covered by your loan. If a course lasts for more than one year, you will only need to take out one loan.

Start your course - There is nothing left for you to do at this stage, just come to Franklin and work hard. The loan will be paid directly to the college.

Repayment of the loan

You pay back your loan (plus interest) when you’ve finished your course and start earning more than £21,000 a year. Each month, you pay back 9% of any income over £21,000. For example, if you earn £25,000 a year, your monthly repayments would be £30. You can pay some of or your entire loan at any time without an extra charge. The interest rate will be the rate of inflation plus up to 3% (depending on your earnings after you complete your course).

There is a support scheme in place for students with children.

“Care To Learn?” is a provision for students 16 – 19 students.

Telephone: 0845 600 2809 or visit the website.

Young Parent Support

Any student who is pregnant or who has a baby/child should register with the Welfare Office as soon as possible.

Franklin has a supportive network available to give extra support when needed.